History & Mission

History

Louison House is a private, 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization established in 1990 by local agencies to address issues of homelessness. Over the past three decades, Louison House, as the only comprehensive housing agency in Northern Berkshire, provided services to over 5,000 individuals and families struggling with homelessness in Northern Berkshire.

A small fire occurred at Louison House on June 26, 2016. As a result of the fire and extensive water damage to the property, residents and all programs were relocated to the Flood House, located at 149 Church Street North Adams. Through community support, state funding will enable Louison House to complete upgrades and renovations to both the Adams and the North Adams (Flood House) buildings. After the completion of the work: the shelter (Transitional Housing) will return to the Adams house, the administrative and special services will remain in North Adams, and at total of five new supportive housing units will be created in the buildings. With the upgrades to the Flood House in North Adams, numerous subsidized leased apartments, and the soon to be renovated and re-imagined original Louison House in Adams, Louison House is better positioned to meet the needs of our homeless neighbors.

Louison House offers the emotional and physical support structures necessary for providing safe housing and Rebuilding Hope within our community. We do this by:

Providing quality, compassionate programming that fits the growing and changing needs of the homeless individuals and families in our community.

Working with transitionally housed individuals and families to strengthen skills, improve their education and training, secure employment or adequate living income, and overcome other barriers (disability, addictions, domestic abuse, etc.) in order to secure successful permanent housing.

Collaborating with community partners to find innovative approaches to address the ongoing concern of homelessness in our community.

Vision, Mission, Purpose, and Values

Organizational Vision

Our vision is to continue to work collaboratively with our partners to create a network of support in order to ameliorate and prevent homelessness in Northern Berkshire.

Mission Statement

The mission of Louison House is to meet the needs of our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of housing instability.

Core Purpose

Providing creative housing solutions and innovative special services to better meet the changing and growing needs of homelessness

Core Values

Compassion: Louison House shows kindness and fairness to all who are in need of our services.

Respect: Louison House respects people, without being judgemental, regardless of the circumstances or personal history.